Ontario Helping At-Risk Children and Families in Ottawa

News Release

Ontario Helping At-Risk Children and Families in Ottawa

Ontario's Government for the People is funding new programs in the Ottawa area to help children with behavioural challenges learn new skills at an early age and support parents with practical and effective tips and ideas. Today, Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services announced a collaboration to implement the Stop Now and Plan (SNAP) program for marginalized children and their families in Ottawa.

Stop Now and Plan (SNAP) is an internationally recognized program that helps children between the ages of six and twelve, with support from their parents, learn how to effectively manage emotions, think before acting, and make good choices in the moment.

The two organizations committed to implementing the SNAP program in Ottawa are the Britannia Woods Community House and the Somali Centre for Family Services. They will each collaborate with the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services to deliver the SNAP program to meet the needs of marginalized children and families in the Ottawa area.

"Ontario's diversity is one of our greatest strengths, but we know that marginalized children, youth and families in Ontario face barriers," said Minister MacLeod. "We want to work with our partners to provide programs that strengthen communities, create safe neighbourhoods and set all of Ontario's youth up for success in school and employment."

"For more than 40 years we have been supporting the unique needs of our community and families in Ottawa," said Mohamed Sofa, Executive Director, Britannia Woods Community House. "We are thrilled to collaborate with our partners in government to deliver the SNAP program, while also offering supports to their families and caregivers."

"We believe in taking care of our community with dignity, respect, and compassion," said Abdirizak Karod, Executive Director, Somali Centre for Family Services. "Teaching young children how to manage their emotions and make positive choices at an early age will help them grow up with a bright future."

"Ottawa's diversity is what makes our community culturally rich and vibrant," said Mayor Jim Watson, City of Ottawa. "We are grateful to organizations like the Somali Centre for Family Services and the Britannia Woods Community House for their great work with our marginalized and newcomer communities, thanks to the ongoing support from the Government of Ontario."

"Programs like Stop Now and Plan are vital for young people to calm down and reflect before reacting to situations," said Ottawa Police Chief Charles Bordeleau. "By teaching them to find positive solutions to their problems, they will greatly reduce their risk of coming into conflict with the law."

Quick Facts

Britannia Woods Community House and the Somali Centre for Family Services will collaborate with the Ministry for Children, Community and Social Services to deliver the SNAP program in their communities.

These new locations are in addition to 10 existing SNAP programs available across the province.

Culturally relevant programs have been shown to improve outcomes for marginalized children, youth and families.